Has your doctor prescribed you medication to control high blood pressure or angina? If so, you may have received this medication called Diltiazem. It is a very commonly used medication. So, today we will talk very simply and politely about what this medication is, how it works in our body, and what things to be careful about while using it.
What is this Diltiazem?
Simply put, Diltiazem is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and angina. The heart pumps blood throughout the body through the blood vessels in our body. Sometimes, when these blood vessels become tight, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. That's when blood pressure increases.
Diltiazem works by relaxing the narrowed blood vessels, reducing the workload of the heart to pump blood. It is a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor should be fully aware of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor .
- If you have had a heart attack before.
- If you suffer from other heart conditions.
- If the heartbeat is irregular.
- If you have low blood pressure.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to diltiazem or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
Hiding this information can put your health at risk. So be open and talk to your doctor about everything.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it as directed.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. Making this a habit will help you avoid missing your dose.
- You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it is better to take it with food.
- Very important: Do not break, crush, or chew this medicine. Swallow the medicine whole.
- If you have trouble swallowing: Some Diltiazem sprinkle capsules can be carefully opened, the small seed-like particles inside can be placed in a teaspoon of applesauce, and the mixture can be swallowed whole. But remember, do not chew the seeds or the applesauce. Ask your doctor for more information about this.
- Continue using the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Overdose
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, it can be dangerous. If this happens , immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with Diltiazem
Diltiazem can interact with other medications, herbal remedies, or supplements you are taking, so it is important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
| Drug type / category | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| These should never be taken with Diltiazem: | |
| Cisapride, Flibanserin, Lomitapide, Pimozide | Taking these together can cause serious side effects. |
| Red yeast rice | Increases the risk of side effects. |
| Be sure to tell your doctor about these: | |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., Atorvastatin, Simvastatin) | The risk of side effects may increase. |
| Other blood pressure/heart disease medications, anesthetics | Blood pressure and heart rate may decrease unnecessarily. |
| Carbamazepine, Cyclosporine, Buspirone | The effectiveness of these medications may vary. |
| Alcohol, smoking, and other drugs | These can affect the effectiveness of the medicine. |
This list is not exhaustive, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking.
Possible side effects when taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Diltiazem can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are minor, there are some things we should be aware of.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Heart failure signs | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing. |
| Liver injury signs | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Skin blistering | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Headache | This usually goes away as the body adjusts to the medication. |
| Constipation | You can get relief by drinking more water and eating foods high in fiber. |
| Facial flushing | Feeling hot or red in the face. |
Take-Home Message
- Diltiazem is an important blood vessel relaxant that helps control high blood pressure and angina.
- Take this medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the right time. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsules.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Minor side effects such as dizziness may occur, but if you experience serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or severe skin blistering, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
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